The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has inaugurated the reconstituted Tema Central Sub-Metro District Council with a charge on the councillors to work towards strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring that development reflected the true aspirations of the people.
At a brief ceremony held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, John Nana Owu, on behalf of the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, emphasised the critical role of sub-metropolitan district councils in ensuring participatory democracy, accountability and enhanced revenue mobilisation.
The Tema Central Sub-Metropolitan District Council is made up of 20 councillors, that is 11 Elected Assembly Members and the rest appointed.
The newly appointed councillors are Emmanuel Swanzy Martin, Alhaji Sulemana Osumanu, Alex Akorful and Joana Asempa.
The rest were Roslyn Acheampong, Winfred Ameevor, Naomi Puplampu, Daniel Nkuo and Paul Pinkrah.
The Sub-Metropolitan District Councils are, among others, responsible for the sanitation of markets, lorry parks and public spaces.
They are also mandated to mobilise revenue, issue business operating permits, ensure development control, promote the orderly physical development of settlements, provide social welfare protection, and conduct civic education, among other responsibilities
Participatory democracy
Mr Owu stressed the critical role of sub-metropolitan councils in decentralisation, participatory democracy and revenue mobilisation.
He highlighted the council's responsibility in revenue mobilisation within their jurisdiction, and tasked the councillors to work towards increasing revenue collection.
Mr Owu also drew attention to President John Dramani Mahama's recent launch of the National Sanitation Day programme, which placed emphasis on discipline, sanitation and development control.
He said to ensure that the Tema Metropolis was aligned to the President's vision, a committee has been formed to ensure effective implementation, with the Assembly pledging support for a stricter enforcement of bylaws and regulations.
He tasked the councillors to play an active role in achieving a cleaner and more habitable city.
He urged the assembly members to put the interests of the people above partisan considerations and work together to transform challenges into opportunities.
Elections
The Chairman of the Tema Central Sub-Metro District Council, Emmanuel Swanzy Martin, pledged to serve the people with diligence, transparency, and integrity, acknowledging the foundation laid by his predecessor, Sylvester Yankey.
Key focus areas
The Chairman said with a focus on revenue mobilisation, sanitation and development control, and community engagement, the council was poised to achieve its objectives and improve the well-being of the people
He stressed the importance of working hand-in-hand with councillors, stakeholders and the general public to achieve the council's objectives.
Writer's email benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
